Raleigh, MS – Raleigh Police Officer Emmet Paul “E.P.” Morris was killed in the line of duty on Thursday, when he lost control of his patrol vehicle on Highway 18, and crashed into a tree.

The vehicle burst into flames, and was soon engulfed, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Details of the single-vehicle collision were not released, and the incident remained under investigation, the Clarion Ledger reported.

Officer Morris, 61, had been with the Raleigh Police Department for approximately two years.

Prior to his service in Raleigh, Officer Morris worked as an officer for the Reservoir Police Department, the agency said in a Facebook post.

“Paul was very knowledgeable in many facets of safety and emergency response but what he is most remembered for is his always happy, always optimistic personality,” the Reservoir PD said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Morris family during this difficult time.”

Raleigh City Attorney David Garner described Officer Morris as a “faithful servant” to the community, according to the Clarion Ledger.

“He was one of these guys that had a sweet spirit of service about him and he really enjoyed working with people,” Garner said.

Kathy Lillie Martin recalled Officer Morris’ willingness to participate in local events, and said he was a “very precious” member of the community.

“[He was] always willing to lend a helping hand, a smile or arrest the Grinch at Raleigh Elementary,” Martin wrote. “Prayers for his family. He will be greatly missed.”

“On behalf of my family, we’d like to take this time to thank each and every one of you,” Casey Sumrall said in a post. “My uncle never met a stranger and he loved what he did for a living. He will be missed, but he will always be loved. Once more on behalf of my aunt, cousins, and family thank you and may God bless.”

Officer Morris will be laid to rest on Tuesday, according to his family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Raleigh Police Officer Emmet Paul “E.P.” Morris, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.